Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin takes responsibility for hospitalization secrecy

The Pentagon’s Deputy Secretary of Defense, Kathleen Hicks, was unaware of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s hospitalization until January 4 despite Austin assuming his duties on January 2.

Acknowledging the lapse, Austin took “full responsibility” for the delayed disclosure of his hospitalization.

What happened?
After undergoing an elective medical procedure on December 22 and returning home the next day, Defense Secretary Austin was admitted to the ICU on January 1 due to severe pain.

Austin’s hospitalization was not disclosed to President Joe Biden or Congress until Friday. 

Congressional members from both parties have raised concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the incident.

Austin is a major figure and is in charge of leading the Pentagon, which is currently engaged in international issues, including the Israel-Hamas conflict and supporting Ukraine against the Russian invasion.

Austin, 70, remains hospitalized, and there is no indication of when he will be released. President Biden continues to express confidence in the Defense Secretary’s recovery.